An updated experimental and kinetic modeling study of n-pentane pyrolysis at atmospheric pressure in a flow reactor

In a flow reactor, the pyrolysis process of n-pentane in the 450–750 °C temperature range was investigated at 760 Torr. The pyrolysis products, particularly free radicals and isomers, were identified using synchrotron radiation vacuum ultraviolet photoionization mass spectrometry, and their mole fractions were determined. In this study, the existing n-pentane pyrolysis kinetic model was updated according to the C 5 -mechanism, and the new pyrolysis data were validated. The rate of production and sensitivity analyses were conducted to determine the significant reactions controlling the pyrolysis of fuel and their effects on the reactant concentration and product species profiles. The unimolecular decomposition reaction and free radical attack reaction via H attack dominate n-pentane pyrolysis at atmospheric pressure. Alkenes including 1-pentene, 1-butene, propene and ethylene are produced with higher concentrations than other product species in n-pentane pyrolysis.